Paratroops of the First Squad, 2d Platoon of Co. F, 2d Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, loaded aboard a C-47 of the 439th Troop Carrier Group at Upottery Field, England on the night of 5 June 1944. The airplane, No. 42-100856, was one of a formation of 81 C-47s flown by the 439th Group on D-Day, delivering the 1st and 2d battalions of the 506th PIR. This aircraft was Chalk No. 77 (Stick 77), flown by 1st Lt. Robert M. Wilhelm and crew of the 94th TC Squadron of the 439th. Clockwise, from left front: Pfc. Marion J. Grodowski, Pfc. Ralph Robbins, Pfc. Joseph J. Hoganmiller, Pfc. Joe Watkins (KIA, Holland), Pfc. Norman Trimble. Standing: Pfc. Raymond Colvin, S/Sgt. Hugh G. Borden; flight crew radio operator Cpl. Vernon E. Johnson, and the author of "Hard Way to Earn Your Pay," Sgt. John H. Taylor (standing at right rear); Medic T/5 John G. Gillespie, Pvt. Bernard B. Tom (KIA, Holland); Pfc. Raul Ochoa, and Pfc. Raymond Passino. Not shown, Lt. Charles Semon, KIA (drowned on this drop). See next photo of paratroop stick.